Domestic Violence

​Being accused of Domestic Violence against a loved one is emotionally stressful and the mere allegation of such behavior can be devastating. It can tear families apart. Having the right Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyer is extremely important.

In Ohio, police officers who are called on a report of Domestic Violence must determine who the primary physical aggressor is and arrest that person. This means that generally if one family or household member alleges that you have committed Domestic Violence, and the police officer reasonably believes that family or household member, you go to directly to jail. Typically, once arrested you will appear before a judge or magistrate to be arraigned and set a bond in your case. Once your bond is set, your speedy trial time starts and the prosecutor must bring your case to trial within a certain period of time. It is vital to have an experienced Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyer to represent throughout the entire process to ensure that your rights are being protected from your first court appearance to the end of the case.

In order to be convicted of Domestic Violence, the prosecuting attorney must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you:

Knowingly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to a family or household member; or

Recklessly caused serious physical harm to a family or household member; or

By threat of force, knowingly caused a family or household member to believe that you would cause imminent physical harm to the family or household member.

There may be many defenses available when you are accused of Domestic Violence. The penalties associated with Domestic Violence can be severe and may include: jail time, issuance of Civil Protection Orders and forever being prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm. That is why having an experienced, aggressive and dedicated Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyer is critical.